Browns complete interview with Brian Daboll

Cleveland Browns announce on Monday that Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll interviewed for their head coaching position.

The Cleveland Browns will interview Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll for their vacant head coaching job. The Browns announced the interview was taking place on Monday.

Now it’s a waiting game for the Bills.

The Browns will continue to interview candidates this week, including New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. Cleveland already also interviewed former Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy and Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman interviewed Thursday, Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy interviewed Friday and 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh interviewed Saturday.

Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen expressed his desire for Daboll to return to the Bills next season during the team’s locker cleanout day on Sunday.

The Bills offensive finished ranked as the No. 24 overall unit in the NFL during the regular season, averaging 330.2 yards per game.

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Report: Browns want to hire new head coach before GM

The Cleveland Browns are officially cleaning house after they parted ways with general manager John Dorsey on Tuesday, and it sounds like the person they hire to replace him will not have a say in filling the team’s vacant head coaching position.

The Cleveland Browns are officially cleaning house after they parted ways with general manager John Dorsey on Tuesday, and it sounds like the person they hire to replace him will not have a say in filling the team’s vacant head coaching position.

Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Browns at Bengals NFL matchup, with NFL betting odds, picks and best bets

The Cleveland Browns (6-9) and host Cincinnati Bengals (1-14) will tangle at Paul Brown Stadium Sunday at 1 p.m. ET (on Fox). We analyze the Browns-Bengals sports betting odds and lines, with NFL betting picks and tips for the Week 17 matchup.

Browns at Bengals: Week 17 preview, betting trends and notes


Get some action on the game at BetMGM by placing a sports bet!


  • The Bengals wrapped up the No. 1 overall pick in 2020 NFL Draft with their overtime loss last week in Miami.
  • The Browns topped the Bengals 27-19 in Week 14, covering as 6.5-point favorites as the Over (43) connected.
  • The Browns are 0-5 against the spread in the past five road outings and 3-7-1 ATS in the past 11 games overall. They’re also 2-5-1 ATS in the past eight as a road favorite, and 1-4 ATS in the past five on the road against a team with a losing home record.
  • The Bengals are 1-4 ATS in the past five games overall, and 1-4 ATS in the past five inside the division. They’re also 1-5 ATS in the past six against teams with a losing record, and 1-6 ATS in the past seven at home.
  • The over has connected in four in a row for the Browns against losing teams.
  • The under is 12-3-1 for the Bengals in the past 16 as an underdog, and 10-4-2 in the past 16 vs. AFC.

Browns at Bengals: Key injuries

Browns: DE Olivier Vernon (knee), WR Odell Beckham Jr. (illness – expected to play) and TE Ricky Seals-Jones (illness) are all listed as questionable.

Bengals: CB William Jackson III (shoulder) has been ruled out for Week 17.

Browns at Bengals: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 2 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Bengals 23, Browns 20

Moneyline (?)

The BENGALS (+125) can’t ruin their chances at the No. 1 overall pick with a win, and they showed last week in a hellacious comeback in Miami that they’re not throwing in the towel. The Browns (-154) have nothing to play for in this one and are primed for the taking.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on the moneyline returns a $12.50 profit with a Bengals victory.

Against the Spread (?)

The BENGALS (+2.5, +105) are plus-money at home, and therefore a pretty nice value. The Browns (-2.5, -129) haven’t been terribly consistent this season, and they’re especially erratic on the road.

Over/Under (?)

PASS. The 44.5 total is going to be close. If there was a lean, it would be to the under, which is actually 41-14-3 in the past 58 in December for Cleveland and 12-3-1 in Cincinnati’s past 16 as a ‘dog.

Want action on this game? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. Looking for more sports betting picks and tips? Visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Carolina Panthers at Indianapolis Colts odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Carolina Panthers at Indianapolis Colts sports betting odds and lines, with Week 16 NFL betting picks, tips and bets.

The Carolina Panthers (5-9) and Indianapolis Colts (6-8) tangle at Lucas Oil Stadium Sunday at 1 p.m. ET (on CBS). We analyze the Panthers-Colts sports betting odds and lines, with NFL betting picks and tips for the Week 16 matchup.

Panthers at Colts: Week 16 preview, betting trends and notes


Get some action on the game at BetMGM by placing a sports bet!


  • The Panthers turn to rookie QB Will Grier for his first NFL start.
  • The Colts enter on a four-game losing skid, while going 0-2-1 ATS across the past three games, and 2-5-1 ATS over the previous eight.
  • Indianapolis is 2-2 straight up and 1-3 ATS across the past four games at Lucas Oil Stadium.
  • Colts QB Jacoby Brissett and the offense was limited to a season-low seven points – scored late in the fourth quarter – in Monday’s ugly 34-7 loss at the New Orleans Saints.
  • The Colts defense is allowing 34.3 points per game across the past three outings as the Over has hit in two of those contests.
  • Indianapolis ranks ninth in the NFL against the run, allowing just 100.9 yards per game. That will be a key matchup, as they try and slow down Panthers RB Christian McCaffrey.

Panthers at Colts: Key injuries

Panthers: WR Curtis Samuel (knee) is questionable, while LB Sha’Quille Thompson (ankle) and DT Vernon Butler (illness) are out.

Colts: DT Denico Autry (concussion), CB Kenny Moore II (ankle), CB Quincy Wilson (shoulder) S Malik Hooker (hand) are out.

Panthers at Colts: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 1:30 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Colts 23, Panthers 20

Moneyline (?)

The Colts (-286) are heavily favored at home, but if you can trust their offense after what you saw last week, you have a lot more betting chutzpah than I do. The Panthers are +225.

New to sports betting? Every $2.86 wagered on the Colts ML will profit $1 if they win.

Against the Spread (?)

The PANTHERS (+7.5, -143) haven’t been playing well, but they’ll have the best player on the field in McCaffrey. He will be a difference maker and will help take a huge amount of pressure off of Grier in the QB’s first NFL start.

Every $1.43 wagered on the Panthers here will profit $1 if they don’t lose by 8 or more points or win outright.

Over/Under (?)

PASS. The total of 45.5 (-125 Over, +105 Under) is too close to call in this one. There are a lot of unknowns with Grier running the show, along with the Colts offense looking pretty shabby last week. If there is a lean, it’s to the Under – but ever so slightly.

Want action on this game? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. Looking for more sports betting picks and tips? Visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns sports betting odds and lines, with Week 16 NFL betting picks, tips and bets.

The Baltimore Ravens (12-2) and Cleveland Browns (6-8) will square off at FirstEnergy Stadium Sunday at 1 p.m. ET (on CBS). We analyze the Ravens-Browns sports betting odds and lines, with NFL betting picks and tips for the Week 16 matchup.

Ravens at Browns: Week 16 preview, betting trends and notes


Get some action on the game at BetMGM by placing a sports bet!


  • The AFC North Division champion Ravens look to lock up home-field advantage throughout the playoffs with a victory.
  • The Browns inexplicably won 40-25 back on Sept. 29 in Baltimore, their best showing of the season by far. Cleveland won outright as a 7-point favorite that afternoon.
  • The Ravens rank No. 2 in the NFL in total yards per game (409.7), while checking in first in rushing yards (202.1 YPG) and points  (33.7 PPG).
  • Defensively, Baltimore ranks sixth in the NFL with 314.3 YPG allowed, while ranking seventh in passing yards per game (218.1), fifth in rushing yards (96.1 YPG) and fourth in points allowed per game (18.4).
  • The Ravens are 7-1 ATS in the past eight games overall, and 4-0 ATS in the past four on the road, while going 5-1 ATS in the past six as a favorite.
  • Baltimore is just 1-7 ATS in the past eight games inside the AFC North Division, however.
  • Cleveland is 4-1 ATS in its past five divisional matchups, but just 6-22-2 ATS in the past 30 against teams with a winning record.

Ravens at Browns: Key injuries

Ravens: OT Ronnie Stanley (concussion) and LB Chris Board (concussion) are questionable.

Browns: C Joseph Tretter (knee), DT Sheldon Richardson (back), DE Olivier Vernon (knee), S Eric Murray (knee), RB Dontrell Hilliard (neck) and T Kendall Lamm (knee) are questionable.

Ravens at Browns: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 12:40 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Ravens 37, Browns 19

Moneyline (?)

The Ravens (-500) are a strong play on the road – but they’re a huge favorite. You can’t risk five times the return, and the Browns (+375) aren’t beating them again.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on the moneyline returns a $2 profit with a Baltimore victory.

Against the Spread (?)

The RAVENS (-9.5, -115) have it all in front of them as they can lock up home-field advantage and make the playoffs go through Charm City with a win Sunday. They can also lock up some much-needed rest in Week 17 for key members of the team. Plus, they can exact a little revenge along the way.

Over/Under (?)

OVER 49.5 (-110) is worth a small-unit wager as the Ravens could come close to cashing it all on their own by winning this revenge game. The Over is 5-1 in their past six as a road favorite, while the Over is 5-2-1 in Cleveland’s past eight inside the AFC North.

Want action on this game? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. Looking for more sports betting picks and tips? Visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Most television markets won’t be able to watch Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray play

You won’t be able to watch Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray square off if you live in Oklahoma City or Tulsa TV markets, or most markets.

You won’t be able to watch Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray square off if you live in Oklahoma City or Tulsa TV markets.

Unlike most Cleveland Browns games, this week’s matchup will not be available locally unless you watch through NFL Sunday Ticket or catch highlights on NFL Redzone.

The Browns and Cardinals, being broadcasted on CBS, is only available in Arizona and Cleveland markets.

Instead of watching the past two Heisman Trophy winners who both won their Heisman’s at the University of Oklahoma, duke it out in their first NFL matchup, the Sooner State will be graced with Denver versus Kansas City on CBS at noon CT followed by a CBS Sports special featuring a bass fishing tournament at the conclusion of the Broncos and Chiefs game.

The 3:05p.m. CT kickoff can be viewed via NFL Sunday Ticket in its entirety or game highlights and red zone opportunities can be watched on NFL Redzone.

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Cleveland Browns at Arizona Cardinals odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Cleveland Browns at Arizona Cardinals sports betting odds and lines, with Week 15 NFL betting picks, tips and bets.

The Cleveland Browns (6-7) and Arizona Cardinals (3-9-1) will do battle at State Farm Stadium Sunday at 4:05 p.m. ET. We analyze the Browns-Cardinals sports betting odds and lines, with NFL betting picks and tips for the Week 15 matchup.

Browns at Cardinals: Week 15 preview, betting trends and notes


Get some action on the game at BetMGM by placing a sports bet!


  • The Browns are technically still alive in the AFC Wild Card picture, but they need to win out and get help from opponents of the Houston Texans, Pittsburgh Steelers and Tennessee Titans, among others.
  • Cleveland has posted a 3-1-1 ATS mark across the past five, and they’re 3-1-1 ATS in the past five as a favorite.
  • The Browns have posted a 5-2 ATS mark across the past seven against teams with a losing overall record, but they’re 0-4 ATS in the past four on the road.
  • Arizona is 4-0 ATS in the past four against losing teams, but 1-5 ATS in the past six in the month of December.
  • The Over is 3-1-1 in the past five for the Browns against teams with a losing record, and 9-4 in the past 13 on the road against teams with a losing home mark.
  • The Over is 5-1 in the past six for the Cardinals against losing sides, but the Under is 24-11 in the past 35 at home for Arizona.

Browns at Cardinals: Key injuries

Browns: WR Odell Beckham Jr. (groin) is dealing with a nagging groin injury, while WR Jarvis Landry (hip) is nursing a sore hip. Neither is believed to be in jeopardy of missing this game.

Cardinals: S Budda Baker (hamstring) and LB Terrell Suggs (back/illness) missed practice time mid-week, and they’re more of an uncertainty. WR Christian Kirk (ankle) is also a question mark.

Browns at Cardinals: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 7:35 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Browns 25, Cardinals 19

Moneyline (?)

The BROWNS (-143) have a lot more on the line, and they have a tremendous rushing attack which will make the difference. The Cardinals rank 24th against the rush, allowing 120.5 yards per game on the ground, and they’re dead-last against the pass, yielding 294.2 yards per game while giving up 414.7 total yards per contest, also 32nd in the NFL.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on the Bucs moneyline returns a $6,99 profit with a Cleveland victory.

Against the Spread (?)

The BROWNS (-2.5, -121) are a nice play as long as this line stays below a field goal. They’re also a tremendous teaser option in this must-win game against the Cardinals (+2.5, +100). If you can get a seven-point teaser and toss the Browns in, they’ll be that much more attractive.

Over/Under (?)

UNDER 48.5 (-115) is the play, as this line is a bit high. While yes, Arizona’s defense leaves a lot to be desired, its offense has only been so-so. The same can be said for Cleveland’s offense, which was expected to be a juggernaut, but has been inconsistent for most of the season outside of RB Nick Chubb, who is superb.

Want action on this game? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. Looking for more sports betting picks and tips? Visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns Week 14 matchup, with NFL betting odds, picks and best bets

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The Cincinnati Bengals (1-11) and Cleveland Browns (5-7) play the latest installment of their ‘Battle of Ohio’ rivalry Sunday at 1 p.m. ET at FirstEnergy Stadium. We analyze the Bengals-Browns sports betting odds and lines, with NFL betting picks and tips for the Week 14 matchup.

Bengals at Browns: Week 14 preview, betting trends and notes


Get some action on the game at BetMGM by placing a sports bet!


  • The Bengals enter on a high after their first victory of the season in Week 13, while the Browns suffered a 20-13 loss against the Steelers in Pittsburgh.
  • Cincinnati is 8-2 ATS across their past 10 road games, and they’re 17-8 ATS in the past 25 games against AFC opponents.
  • The Browns are 7-3 ATS across their past 10 games inside the AFC North, but they’re just 11-23-1 ATS in the past 35 at home.
  • The Under is 4-1-1 in Cincinnati’s past six games against the AFC North, while going 12-3-2 in the past 17 games overall.
  • The Under is 18-8-1 in the past 27 at home for the Browns, while going 15-5-1 in the past 21 at FirstEnergy Stadium against teams with a losing road mark.

Bengals at Browns: Key injuries

Bengals: WR John Ross (collarbone) and LB Nick Vigil (ankle) are expected to play, while DE Sam Hubbard (knee) and TE Drew Sample (ankle) are out.

Browns: TE David Njoku (wrist) and DE Olivier Vernon (knee) are expected to be ready, while QB Baker Mayfield (hand) will also be fine. WR Odell Beckham Jr. (groin) is expected to be ready, too.

Bengals at Browns: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 8 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Browns 23, Bengals 17

Moneyline (?)

The Browns (-334) are just too expensive, and they haven’t been consistent enough this season to lay more than three times your money. The Bengals (+260), on the other hand, have struggled all season obviously, but they looked better with QB Andy Dalton regaining his starting spot against the Jets. They’re no pushover, at least for an inconsistent Browns side.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on the moneyline returns a $2.99 profit with a Cleveland victory.

Against the Spread (?)

The BENGALS (+7.5, -112) catching seven and a hook is the key. Whenever you’re betting the underdog, those hooks can come in handy. The Browns (-7.5, -115) have a 2-3-1 ATS mark across their six games so far this season.

Over/Under (?)

UNDER 41.5 (-110) is a nice small-unit bet, although this one will be close in the fourth quarter. Don’t go crazy, but if you’re looking for a nice parlay, the Bengals and the points with the Under is a decent pairing.

Want action on this game? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. Looking for more sports betting picks and tips? Visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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6 teams sitting at 7-5 or worse that could make a push to the playoffs

Let me start this off by saying that any of these teams making the playoffs is unlikely. They have to be perfect – or near-perfect – from here on out. Then again, that’s why we watch football. We watch because something crazy tends to happen every …

Let me start this off by saying that any of these teams making the playoffs is unlikely. They have to be perfect — or near-perfect — from here on out. Then again, that’s why we watch football. We watch because something crazy tends to happen every season. If the rest of the season played out how we currently think it will, that’s pretty boring. So let’s talk about the teams that could make things exciting.

Former Notre Dame Running Back George Atkinson III Dead at 27

When I think of George Atkinson, III I think of an explosive play-maker who had absolutely mind-blowing speed.  His kickoff returns against Michigan State and USC in 2011 immediately come to mind while he had plenty of other huge runs during his three seasons.

Sad news out late Monday night that former Notre Dame running back and speedy return-man George Atkinson, III has died at the age of 27.

Atkinson’s twin brother Josh, also a former Notre Dame football player died unexpectedly last year.

George Atkinson III played for the Irish from 2011-2013, rushing for 10 touchdowns and returning two kickoffs for scores, both occurring in 2011.

Atkinson left for the NFL after his junior year, where he’d spend time with the Oakland Raiders, Cleveland Browns and Kansas City Chiefs.

When I think of George Atkinson, III I think of an explosive play-maker who had absolutely mind-blowing speed.  His kickoff returns against Michigan State and USC in 2011 immediately come to mind while he had plenty of other huge runs during his three seasons.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeAQGPqxgKs&w=560&h=315]

All the best to the Atkinson family and their friends in what has to have been an incredibly difficult year.